A hat-trick from Ben Deegan and two from Mike Norton helped FC United into the second qualifying round of the FA Carlsberg Trophy by thrashing Newcastle Town 5-0 at Gigg Lane on Saturday.

In a continuation of recent winning form, the Reds put in arguably one of the best all-round team performances so far this season. The starting XI of last week’s FA Cup victory remained unchanged but for two, as Jimmy Holden came in for Nick Platt and Deegan started alongside Norton.

United got off to a bright start, having space in the wide positions, as both Jerome Wright and Carlos Roca had good opportunities going forward.

It was through Wright that the Reds went ahead on 24 minutes as the winger picked up a great ball out in space on the left and carried it into the area, forcing Danny Read into a good block. This however wasn’t enough for the keeper, as his parry fell into the path of Norton who bundled home just ahead of Newcastle’s defender.

It could be sensed that another goal wouldn’t be long in coming, as United continued to build and threaten the visiting defence. Deegan had an excellent chance to double FC’s lead in a one on one situation. As the striker looked certain to score, credit must be given to Read who did well to get a touch and divert the goal-bound attempt out for a corner.

Just moments later, Deegan found himself in a similar position and this time made no mistake in slotting the ball beyond Read to put United two in front.

Going into the break, United were dealing well with any Newcastle Town advances, giving the visitors very little time on the ball and continuing to create opportunities going forward.

The Reds carried this into the second half, linking up well and threatening the Newcastle back line once more. Read did well to parry an on-target free kick from Wright and Deegan could have gone onto score after picking up a ball from Jake Cottrell and rounding the defender, however the striker took too much time inside the area and the visitors were able to clear.

Seconds later, Roca shot from inside the area and as the ball bounced off the keeper, Norton was on hand to blast it into the roof of the net for his second and United’s third.

Despite being three behind, Newcastle substitution Lassana Sidebe appeared to make an impact as the EvoStik North side began to have more possession, resulting in Jordan Johnson’s shot on goal which just skimmed past Ashton’s right post.
A Newcastle free kick then proved to be the only other real chance for the visitors, as United regained tempo heading into the final ten minutes.

The Reds linked up well once more as Wright ran onto a ball out from Holden and crossed in for Deegan to head home.

Although the game was now beyond doubt, the Reds profited from continuing to attack in the dying stages, as Wright robbed Sidebe of the ball on the left and sent it into the area for Deegan to volley into the net, giving the man of the match his hat trick, and wrapping up the United victory in style.

The final score line reflected an extremely strong and spirited team display, and FC United will now look to continue this form into next weekend’s highly anticipated encounter with Barrow in the final qualifying round of the FA Cup.

Report by Victoria Fullen.

Match Report

A hat-trick from Ben Deegan and two from Mike Norton helped FC United into the second qualifying round of the FA Carlsberg Trophy by thrashing Newcastle Town 5-0 at Gigg Lane on Saturday.

In a continuation of recent winning form, the Reds put in arguably one of the best all-round team performances so far this season. The starting XI of last week’s FA Cup victory remained unchanged but for two, as Jimmy Holden came in for Nick Platt and Deegan started alongside Norton.

United got off to a bright start, having space in the wide positions, as both Jerome Wright and Carlos Roca had good opportunities going forward.

It was through Wright that the Reds went ahead on 24 minutes as the winger picked up a great ball out in space on the left and carried it into the area, forcing Danny Read into a good block. This however wasn’t enough for the keeper, as his parry fell into the path of Norton who bundled home just ahead of Newcastle’s defender.

It could be sensed that another goal wouldn’t be long in coming, as United continued to build and threaten the visiting defence. Deegan had an excellent chance to double FC’s lead in a one on one situation. As the striker looked certain to score, credit must be given to Read who did well to get a touch and divert the goal-bound attempt out for a corner.

Just moments later, Deegan found himself in a similar position and this time made no mistake in slotting the ball beyond Read to put United two in front.

Going into the break, United were dealing well with any Newcastle Town advances, giving the visitors very little time on the ball and continuing to create opportunities going forward.

The Reds carried this into the second half, linking up well and threatening the Newcastle back line once more. Read did well to parry an on-target free kick from Wright and Deegan could have gone onto score after picking up a ball from Jake Cottrell and rounding the defender, however the striker took too much time inside the area and the visitors were able to clear.

Seconds later, Roca shot from inside the area and as the ball bounced off the keeper, Norton was on hand to blast it into the roof of the net for his second and United’s third.

Despite being three behind, Newcastle substitution Lassana Sidebe appeared to make an impact as the EvoStik North side began to have more possession, resulting in Jordan Johnson’s shot on goal which just skimmed past Ashton’s right post.
A Newcastle free kick then proved to be the only other real chance for the visitors, as United regained tempo heading into the final ten minutes.

The Reds linked up well once more as Wright ran onto a ball out from Holden and crossed in for Deegan to head home.

Although the game was now beyond doubt, the Reds profited from continuing to attack in the dying stages, as Wright robbed Sidebe of the ball on the left and sent it into the area for Deegan to volley into the net, giving the man of the match his hat trick, and wrapping up the United victory in style.

The final score line reflected an extremely strong and spirited team display, and FC United will now look to continue this form into next weekend’s highly anticipated encounter with Barrow in the final qualifying round of the FA Cup.